Disney Star has become the official production services partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the highly-regarded ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cup editions in 2024.
The move builds on the long-standing partnership between the ICC and Disney Star to provide elite viewing experiences to fans around the globe, and follows the global broadcast of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Over the last decade and a half, Disney Star and the ICC have worked together to produce multiple revolutionary global broadcasts. The ongoing competition is a significant event, with 20 teams competing in 55 matches, and it marks the first time a marquee cricket event has been held on American soil. Disney Star seeks to improve the viewing experience for the contest by bringing viewers closer to the game and its heroes while also capturing the diverse colours of fandom.
The landmark occasion will take place across nine venues, with over 450 production personnel stationed across the United States and the Caribbean islands. A diverse group of 90 commentators from 12 nations will shape narratives, highlight moments, tell compelling stories, and offer nuanced insights. It will be ably assisted by production crews from 17 countries, all working to deliver a stellar global broadcast in 11 languages.
Sanjog Gupta, Head- Sports, Disney Star, said, “We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with ICC as their production partner to bring the glory of their global marquee events to billions of viewers around the world. We remain committed to serving current fans and recruiting new ones across geographies, demographics, and devices by elevating the context of the tournament, taking fans deeper into the contests, enhancing narratives of the competition, and building seminal cultural moments around the ICC T20 World Cups. We hope fans enjoy this historic broadcast produced by Disney Star.”
Steve Smith said, “My first real brush with commentary was with Star Sports earlier this year. Being a part of the roster for the host broadcast of ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is an incredible opportunity and I look forward to contributing with my knowledge of the T20 format and understanding of how the modern cricketer thinks, plans, and plays. I look forward to working closely with production crews from Disney Star.”
Irfan Pathan said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Star Sports’ historic broadcast for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Hindi coverage has been the driver of viewership growth and enhanced fan engagement in India. I am glad to see that the Hindi broadcast is being made available in multiple cricket-watching countries around the world including US and UK. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with fans globally.”
Ambati Rayudu said, “This tournament will be unique in many ways. With 20 teams, 55 matches, and new venues, it’s a thrilling combination that I eagerly look forward to. Having recently started my commentary career, it was heart-warming to see the response from millions of fans to the Telugu broadcast. I will continue to strive to bring viewers sharp insights and forthright opinions on the game.”
Disney Star has created a world-class broadcast framework for this major event in the Americas, with the primary goal of strengthening bonds with core fans and piqueing the interest of a wide range of new and casual fans.
Establishing on the accomplishments of the vertical feed at the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, Disney Star and the ICC will launch an AI-powered vertical feed for the T20 World Cup, a first in cricket. Other than the vertical feed designed for mobile devices, the broadcast will include a feed intended for making the cricket viewing experience more accessible. A parallel service for viewers with partial or complete hearing or vision impairment will also be available. The host broadcaster will also document off-field activities such as team and player preparations. Furthermore, it will use cutting-edge technology to provide fans with comprehensive research and visually compelling storytelling.
Furthermore, Disney Star will also handle the worldwide broadcast of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in Bangladesh beginning in September 2024.